Definition:

A combination of hope and courage are virtues that are needed for dreamers and achievers. Children need a vision for their future, and the willingness to take risks in order to achieve that vision. Dream big and take healthy risks.  Believe that something good can happen.

In short:

Believe that something good can happen.

Summary:
This is a story about hope - the true story of a girl named Ada who was raised in a slum called Cateura, in the city of Asuncion, Paraguay. The most prominent feature of Cateura was its landfill, which was smelly and dirty, but filled with possibilities for those who lived there. Ada was part of a family of music lovers including her grandmother, who often played music from American and British bands of the 60’s, and her father who was a music aficionado. When Ada saw a sign advertising music lessons, she jumped at the opportunity to pursue her own musical interests. She and her sisters and friends didn’t have money to buy instruments, so some adults in the community made instruments for the children out of recycled materials from the landfill. This became the genesis of a now famous orchestra, the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay. These talented children discovered the means to make  their dreams come true in the smelly landfills of Cateura!

Lesson Objectives: 

1. The teacher can lead a discussion about the power of hope, and how it inspires us to reach for and achieve seemingly impossible dreams. 
2. This story can be linked to academic subjects such as geography and environmental science, with a focus on recycling. 
3. Children can watch a very moving documentary about this success story featuring the talented children who play their recycled instruments. Recycled Orchestra - Cateura, Paraguay - YouTube

Guiding Questions: 

1. Based on the story, describe in your own words what it was like to live in the Cateura slum 
2. What inspired Ada to want to learn to play a musical instrument? 
3. Why was it hard for Ada to pursue her interest in learning the violin and what happened to change that? 
4. Where was the music classroom for the children and why was it a difficult place to practice? 
5. How did the Cateura orchestra become famous? 
6. What kind of music do you like and why? 
7.  Do you play a musical instrument? If not, what would you like to learn to play and why?  
8. Did the children in this story dream big and take risks? Share about some of the hardships they faced and overcame. 
9. Ada had some stage fright when she had to perform in front of an audience. Has that ever happened to you? Share about how you feel about performing in front of an audience. 
10. Have you ever made something out of recycled materials? Share about your experience.